SOUTH SHORE INSIDER: Susan Davis

Susan Davis of Stoughton discovered the need for a female networking group outside of Boston while developing her career as a commercial real estate lawyer.

STOUGHTON -- Susan Davis of Stoughton discovered the need for a female networking group in the Boston suburbs while developing her career as a commercial real estate lawyer at Riemer and Braunstein LLP.

Davis’ Suburban Professional Women’s Network (SPWNetwork) group is a nonprofit that provides women an outlet to network and refer business to each other.

Riemer and Braunstein funds the group’s luncheons in the MetroWest area. Women can join the group and attend the events for free.

Davis received help from the marketing department at her law firm to compile the group’s database of women before hosting the first luncheon in September.

Word-of-mouth marketing is the primary way women are hearing about the group, said Davis.

Why did you form this networking group?

I’ve always enjoyed networking with women, but I realized that most all events are held in Boston. I’ve worked in Burlington for the past nine years and I’ve gotten to know a number of women through my work. But I realized there was nothing to connect these corporate-level women outside of Boston, which is why I decided to form this group.

Who are the network’s members?

Women at the corporate level. A lot of women in the group tend to be in real estate businesses. But we are really trying to target women outside of that space.

Ideally, we would like members to be from across the board.

How successful has this been?

We now have 130 members since we started in September 2013. We’ve had two luncheon networking events. The first one was at the New England Executive Park in Burlington in September 2013. The other event was at the Hilton Garden in Burlington(in March).

What’s your long-term goal for the network?

For now I think that hosting an event every quarter is our goal. I’d love to see the group attract more women in the professional arena because the stronger the network, the more beneficial it is for the members.

What advice do you have for women trying to grow their business or brand?

I really think that it’s important to target what you may not be comfortable with. Women should think about networking outside of their core group or industry.

For more information, women can visit the SPWNetwork Group on LinkedIn or contact Davis at SDavis@riemerlaw.com.